Partner in court over Ballymena murder

Unemployed Richard McAuley, whose address was given as Townhill Road, Portglenone, Co Antrim, appeared at North Antrim Magistrates' Court in Coleraine.He is charged with murdering 32-year-old Denise Dunlop, who died after an incident at her home in Centuripe Avenue, Ballymena, in the early hours of Sunday.It is understood the mother-of-two had been stabbed.During the short court appearance a police officer said he believed he could connect the accused to the charge.Mr McAuley, who was wearing a blue jumper and blue trousers, stood in the dock with his hands clasped in front of him.Defence solicitor Nigel McIlrath said there would be no application for bail and he had no questions for the officer.No other details were outlined to the court.Deputy District Judge Laura Ievers remanded Mr McAuley into custody to appear again via video link at Ballymena Magistrates' Court on 10 July.